USC student satellite to blast off on SpaceX rocket

A satellite designed and built primarily by USC students is scheduled to launch into orbit next month aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 mission, where it will test new technologies aimed at making future spacecraft more autonomous.

The shoebox-sized satellite, known as MAVERIC, was developed over the past two years by more than 60 USC students and faculty through the university’s Space Engineering Research Center, according to the university.

Researchers said the satellite will test several technologies, including 2D and 3D imaging systems for future satellite servicing missions, low-cost magnetic field sensors and artificial intelligence-assisted spacecraft navigation.

USC officials said the mission is intended to advance technologies that could help future spacecraft inspect, repair, maintain or refuel other satellites while giving human operators improved information and oversight during autonomous operations.

“Being able to watch what’s happening and step in when needed during close-proximity operations helps build trust in autonomous systems,” David Barnhart, co-founder and director of USC’s Space Engineering Research Center, said in a statement.

The mission also will include the first on-orbit demonstration of artificial intelligence software developed by Planetary Systems AI, which will use imagery collected by the satellite to evaluate how machine-learning systems can process data directly in space rather than transmitting large amounts of raw information back to Earth.

Unlike most satellites, MAVERIC will orient itself using Earth’s magnetic field instead of traditional “reaction wheels.” Researchers plan to analyze flight data and upload improved AI-generated navigation software during the mission.

USC will host an open house July 15 at its Space Engineering Research Center in Marina del Rey, where visitors can tour spacecraft laboratories, view flight hardware and meet the students and researchers behind the project.